The Role of the School Counselor

School counselors work to help students gain competence in the areas of:

• Educational/Academic Development

• Achievement leading to an understanding of the real world.

• Career/Vocational Development

• Exploration and preparation for the world of work

• Personal/Social Development

• Understanding one's self and relating to others effectively

Benefits for Students

• Supports student growth in the areas of academic, career/vocational, and personal/social development

• Demonstrates the positive connection between the educational process and future success

• Promotes career and vocational exploration, development, and planning

• Fosters decision-making and problem-solving skills

• Enhances knowledge of self and others

• Develops effective communication skills and interpersonal skills

• Expands the knowledge of our diverse and multi-cultural society

• Provides advocacy for ALL students

• Fosters a team building environment and facilitates cooperative interactions among peers

• Embraces the uniqueness of each student

Benefits for Parents/Guardians

• Supports student growth in the areas of academic, career/vocational, and personal/social development

• Fosters responsible and productive lifelong learners

• Assists parents/guardians with supporting their child's development and educational goals

• Serves as a liaison between the school and the parents/guardians increasing opportunities for interaction between both

• Provides valuable resources and links within the school community

Tips to Help Your Child be Successful

We encourage parents to share the responsibility of teaching organizational and study skills to their children. In this partnership, teachers work with parents to provide assistance for their children at home. Here are some tips on how you can support this home-school partnership:

• Encourage your child to use his/her student Agenda/Calendar

• Provide a place and system for checking your child's student Agenda/Calendar

• Provide a quiet work place at home, away from the TV

• Have appropriate materials, supplies, and lighting for homework

• Assist with prioritizing activities and things to do in the evening

• Have a consistent routine (e.g., homework, dinner time, bedtime)

• Help write lists, schedules, reminder notes for your child

• Reward good organizational skills at home

• Communicate regularly with your child's teachers